Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. Why did residents in the Kendal Crosslands retirement community initiate an Arboretum in 2011? Because the many fine mature trees on the 40 year-old combined campus deserve to be recognized – and because an Arboretum attracts new residents who love trees.

Q2. What is an accredited arboretum? An Accredited Arboretum is recognized by the Morton Register as meeting certain professional standards at any of four levels. The KCC campus currently meets the Level Two requirement that requires a minimum 100 different tree species. KCC is one of only two retirement communities to be accredited at Level 2.

Q3. How many trees are there in the KCA? Among more than 1,000 trees on the combined campus, almost 400 trees have been labelled, each with an accession and a display tag. As of August 2019, these trees include: 226 trees on 7 loop walks, 45 Gift Trees, 12 Arbor Day trees, and 100 trees which can be found among the six Featured Collections.

Q 4. Why have Featured Collections? Featured Collections are woody plants that grow well in the Delaware Valley (Zones 6-7); they are botanically labelled and grouped by genus. Arranged in this manner, both the public and residents are able to make comparisons between the different species within each genus. Magnolia, Dogwood, Redbud, and Witchhazel are the genera currently represented in the KCA Featured Collections.

Q 5. What is a Loop Walk? A Loop Walk is a handicapped accessible route along which significant trees are identified by display tags. At the reception desk in each community, maps, tree lists and descriptions are available for self-guided tours. Guided tours occur several times each year and are available upon request.

Q 6. Who provides maintenance for the trees? While residents are encouraged to “adopt” trees, under the guidance of a Grounds Supervisor, a year-round staff of ten provides ongoing maintenance.

Q 7. What is the Arboretum Fund? The Arboretum Fund accepts tax-deductible donations which include $500 to purchase memorial trees. This Fund also pays for educational and administrative expenses as required by Level 2 accreditation. Link to $ page

Q 8: Is there a KCA web site? Yes – photographs and facts about hundreds of campus trees in the KCA are featured at where you can search for your favorite tree.

Q 9: Are there tree-related educational programs? Programs for children in the Day Care Program and for disabled residents are available and there are two formal presentations each year to which residents, local Garden Club members and neighbors are invited.

Q10: Who is in charge? Residents from each community constitute the KCC Joint Arboretum Committee and a team of volunteers on each campus work collaboratively with KCA Curator Casey Groff.

Q 11: Does the KCA have a Strategic Plan to guide future activities? Yes, during the summer of 2019, a Strategic Plan was developed and implementation began in the Fall of 2019.

Q 12: How can residents participate in the Arboretum? An Arboretum Team on each campus encourages all residents to help with the many tasks involved –Link to Task List

Q 13:. How is the Kendal-Crosslands Arboretum different from a typical arboretum? Trees stand among clusters of cottages and community facilities, ponds, meadows, and woodlands, through which a service road and trails connect the two sister communities. Kendal Crosslands residents live within the Arboretum!

Q14: How can I help? Suggestions, support and volunteers are welcome. Use the web site contact tab.

Update October 2019